AC/DC Drummer Phil Rudd Accused In Murder-For-Hire Plot

There’s crazy news out of New Zealand, as AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd has been accused of attempting to procure murder this morning, a charge that caries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years. Rudd was also charged with threatening to kill and possession of methamphetamine and marijuana. The longtime AC/DC drummer appeared on Tuesday morning local time at New Zealand’s Tauranga District Court and was later released on bail.

Stuff.co.nz was first to report that Rudd allegedly tried to have two men killed. The names of those men and the details surrounding the plot have yet to be revealed. Rudd was taken into custody after his house was raided by local authorities. The conditions of his bail include that he may not speak with anyone involved in the alleged plot. The drummer must return to court on November 27.

Phil Rudd first joined AC/DC in 1975 and was a member of the band until 1983. The drummer re-joined AC/DC in 1994 and has been the band’s drummer ever since. AC/DC has a new album, Rock or Bust, due in December which will be followed by a tour. The other members of the band told Rolling Stone, “We’ve only become aware of Phil’s arrest as the news was breaking. We have no further comment. Phil’s absence will not affect the release of our new album Rock or Bust and upcoming tour next year.”

Watch an AP report on Rudd’s arrest: